Hometown Boy

Is there anything more frightening than going to your high school reunion?

When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place. He came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house.” And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief. - Matthew 13:53-58

All right, maybe it isn't so bad to go and be among one's childhood friends, but some of us find it challenging.

Maybe the memories of childhood are not that great, being picked on, called names, laughed at when you weren't trying to be the class clown.

I wonder what kind of childhood Jesus had that his old neighbors would have been so surprised at his power.

It sounds like he was average at best, possibly not one to stand out.

He was described, not by his own talents or worth, but by his relationship to dad, mom, and siblings.

The siblings were known by name.

So, there was something ultra ordinary about Jesus that we might find comfort in exploring.

He was an average Joe who failed to stand out.

He was like us.

Perhaps he was bullied as a kid.  Or maybe he was just ignored.

If so, he would probably choose not to do works of power there, just because they would fail to believe in him.

It may not be that he didn't have power in their presence, which is one way to interpret this story, but that he chose not to try to impress them with it.

Maybe that is the lesson.

Move on.  Don't look back.  The past has passed, and we can do so much more today for those who need it.

Imagine if we stopped trying to prove things to the ghosts of our past and just moved on down the road, head high!

More to come...